Concerns that new homes in Pollards Hill would not be easily accessible to emergency vehicles have been raised.

But despite more than 60 objections, plans for four flats and four houses at 97 Pollards Hill were given the green light by Croydon Council’s planning committee.

A previously approved scheme was for one seven bed house and four, four-bedroom houses at the rear of the site.

This latest application keeps the four houses but has changed the big house to four flats.

It includes 12 car parking and 13 cycle parking spaces.

Spencer Copping agent for the applicant, Quantum Land and Planning, said: “The proposal seeks a good mix of dwellings including flats and four bed family homes the latter of which there is acute need in the borough.

“The proposal will respect the character of the area while improving the density of the site.”

But objecting to the plans Councillor Shafi Khan asked why no affordable housing will be included.

The Norbury and Pollards Hill councillor said: “My former ward colleague, the late Maggie Mansell, despite her illness met the residents and prepared a statement to deliver, very sadly this was one of her last activities in support of her constituents.

“The local residents are dismayed that the new plans do not include affordable housing to tackle the housing crisis

“Neighbours object most strongly to the narrow undercroft, it would be overbearing and bulky.

“The large delivery and emergency vehicles would not be able to access the rear properties. We should not rely on minimum fire safety arrangements especially after Grenfell.

“It is blatantly obvious that the plans do not fit with the overall living conditions of the area. Introducing small cramped gardens integrated communal living areas.”

But director of planning, Heather Cheesbrough, said that council officers are satisfied with fire safety and overlooking on the site. Adding that affordable housing is not a requirement for developments of fewer than 10 houses.

Councillor Jason Perry said: “I didn’t like the scheme when it came to committee first time and I don’t like it now.

“This is a back land development and I think it will have an impact on the local area. I think an undercroft is totally out of keeping with the street scene.

But he added that the committee’s hands were tied as the previous scheme was approved.

The plans were voted through with six in favour and four against.